Welcome to the SW quadrant--the smallest and sometimes forgotten part of DC. While the NW is considered posh, NE up-and-coming, and SE quickly evolving, how is SW described? Well, we'll say SW is the place to to score scores of deals if you're looking for your first crash pad (all are below $200,000). While I-395 acts as a psychological barrier, the SW is still close to all the action with downtown just some blocks north and the booming Navy Yard right across Capitol South. Plus, if you work in the inner NoVa 'burbs, it's a relatively quick commute (assuming WMATA is keeping things moving) to the job centers across the Potomac.
Interestingly, for this foray into Least Expensive Listings there were a number of units in the same two buildings. To keep things interesting we left some of those off the list since they were nearly identical to others we did include (both in price and unit size). Those two buildings were 1301 and 1311 Delaware Ave SW, in case you want to check out more options.
10. 1250 4th St
Asking Price: $178,500
Square Feet: 494
Price Per Square Foot: $361
The Lowdown: First on our list is a top-floor, 1.5 bath efficiency with a balcony. Located in a pet-friendly building with a pool and close to Safeway, the condo has a renovated kitchen, new appliances, and hardwood floors. If you're single or happily coupled and always wanted to host swanky (or pretentious) parties with views of the masses living on the lower levels, then check out this studio with a monthly HOA of $396.72.
9. 800 4th St
Asking Price: $174,000
Square Feet: 517
Price Per Square Foot: $337
The Lowdown: Here is another studio for someone who is purchasing his or her first place. The 1 bath condo is newly renovated with Berber carpets, ceramic floor, and plenty of closet space for the SW fashionista (or the male equivalent). The building is pet-friendly and has 24-hour concierge, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool to scope out the other singles in the area. The HOA is $311 monthly.
8. 800 4th St
Asking Price: $171,000
Square Feet: 445
Price Per Square Foot: $384
The Lowdown: Just like the previous listing but a bit smaller, this 1 bath studio has plenty of pictures to show you how to style your new condo with finesse. The kitchen is gorgeous with GE appliances, a small breakfast bar, and west-facing views. And because this place is so fabulous, you should "Move-in NOW!". (Sorry for shouting, but that's what the listing says.)
7. 560 N St
Asking Price: $165,900
Square Feet: 828
Price Per Square Foot: $200
The Lowdown: This is our first bedroom on the list of incredible SW deals. Located in the Harbour Square development, this 1 bedroom, 1 bath co-op is located in a building with an indoor pool, trash removal, and many other amenities for a HOA of $775.90. Reduced from $189,900, you get hardwood floors, a balcony, plenty of square footage, and convenient access to the Waterfront Metro.
6. 510 N St
Asking Price: $139,900
Square Feet: 579
Price Per Square Foot: $242
The Lowdown: This 1 bath studio co-op is in a full-service building with convenient access to CVS, Safeway, and the Metro (and a host of other places as this neighborhood continues to develop). While the kitchen appears dated, the unit comes with a balcony and a vintage-esque bathroom. Just make sure you pick up the mail in the entry hall when you check out this joint.
5. 1311 Delaware Ave
Asking Price: $130,000
Square Feet: 700
Price Per Square Foot: $186
The Lowdown: Perfect for a Nats fan! Featuring a low price per square foot and lowered from $159,000, this 1 bedroom, 1 bath co-op in the River Park development is located on the top floor where you have great views and "you can hear the cheers" from the stadium. Just be aware the monthly HOA is $573 and might be a "potential short sale".
4. 520 N St
Asking Price: $125,000
Square Feet: 564
Price Per Square Foot: $222
The Lowdown: Another studio co-op in Harbour Square, this 1 bath ground-level unit has a south-facing patio, an old-school black-and-white tiled kitchen with dated appliances, and hardwood floor. This place is ideal for someone who can provide some tender real estate love since the co-op "needs TLC". While you got easy access to the Metro, the unit also has a hefty monthly HOA of $703.19.
3. 1311 Delaware Ave
Asking Price: $115,000
Square Feet: 650
Price Per Square Foot: $170
The Lowdown: Just like listing #5, you need to be sports lover to really appreciate this 1 bedroom, 1 bath co-op is in the 1962 River Park development. Listed as the "largest single" and reduced from the original asking price of $120,000, there are plenty of commuting options in the neighborhood. But if you're rolling on your own set of wheels, there is parking rental available too.
2. 1301 Delaware Ave (http://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/1301-Delaware-Ave-SW-20024/unit-N116/home/18957019)
Asking Price: $109,500
Square Feet: 700
Price Per Square Foot: $156
The Lowdown: Coming in with the lowest price per square foot, this 1 bedroom, 1 bath River Place co-op has got plenty of space for one (or two) looking for a place to nest. While the pictures in the listing don't highlight all of the unit's best features, it has hardwood floors, a balcony, and is located in a building with plenty of amenities. Reduced from the original asking price of $149,000, this is a "potential short sale" so be ready to wait before moving into this incredibly priced co-op.
1. 1301 Delaware Ave
Asking Price: $90,000
Square Feet: ?
Price Per Square Foot: ?
The Lowdown: Our final property is perfect for a detective who loves a good mystery. Using listing #2 as a benchmark, this co-op should be around 560 square feet (assuming $160 per square foot). However, it's hard to tell how big the place is from the listing photos. Also located in the River Place development, the co-op unit has hardwood floors, a dated kitchen, and large windows. This one is not a short sale, so if you've got the dollars and the mystery-solving acumen, why not check this place out?
For other Least Expensive posts go to:
· Bloomingdale
· Eckington
· Columbia Heights
· Capitol Hill
· Logan Circle
· Brookland
-- George Perkins